Rockets make strides in first practice since Jan. 9

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The Rockets on Friday held their first practice since Jan. 9 and worked on execution.

“We had to clean up on some things defensively, then some stuff offensively,” coach Kevin McHale said. “It was nice to be on the floor where you can actually watch video, show the guys and then go out and work on stuff. We didn’t do a lot, but what we did, we did pretty well.”

McHale said the Rockets did not adjust to the Hornets’ adjustments to what the Rockets have done well, leading to a seven-point fourth quarter.

“It seems like we need more time together in the gym than we do in front of people in a crowd,” McHale said.
Flu takes toll on first-time victim

Rockets center Jordan Hill returned to practice Friday after several days battling the flu, a stretch that included an ambulance ride and night in the hospital where he received four liters of fluid intravenously.

“It was the first time I ever had the flu,” Hill said. “Now I know what to expect. It felt like it was going to be the last time. I was scared. I never felt like that before.”

SATURDAY NIGHT: SPURS AT ROCKETSWhen/where: 7 p.m.; Toyota Center.TV/radio: FSH; 610 AM and 850 AM (Spanish).Players to watchRockets G Kyle Lowry. After carrying the Rockets through much of the season, Lowry slumped Thursday against the Hornets, making just four of 11 shots with seven turnovers. He’s averaged 19 points, 7.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds in the two games against San Antonio.Spurs G Tony Parker. Parker averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 assists in the first 10 games after Manu Ginobili went out with a broken hand. He had 28 points and eight assists in the Spurs’ win over the Rockets in San Antonio.Rockets (8-7) glance: Samuel Dalembert, who has helped key the Rockets’ five-game winning streak, is questionable with a sprained left ankle. Jordan Hill returned to practice after sitting out with the flu. The Rockets have split their two games with the Spurs, winning in Houston and losing in overtime in San Antonio.Spurs (10-6) glance: The Spurs returned to San Antonio to face the Kings on Friday after a Florida back-to-back and lost 88-86. They began the week with one of their worst defensive games against the Heat and one of their best against the Magic. The win in Orlando was their first on the road this season.By the numbers: 1 – Rockets player, Courtney Lee, who scored off the bench Thursday.